Biggest Little Paper In Town! 1

The PaperLaurens, Iowa

Our Town , Our Paper!

© Copyright My Laurens, Inc., 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 14 No. 9

August 12, 2020

www.thepapernow.com

Local News

Laurens Public Library Receives Accreditation From The State Library Of IowaThe State Library of Iowa has announced that the Laurens Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation as outlined in “In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards Sixth Edition.” Achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high quality library services. The Laurens Public Library has been recognized for its efforts in all areas of library operations including governance and funding,

staffing, library collection, services, public relations, access, and facilities. The accreditation is valid through June 30, 2023. “The director and board of trustees of the Laurens Public Library and the City of Laurens are to be commended for this achievement and their commitment to excellence in public library services for their community,” said State Librarian Michael Scott. Of Iowa’s 542 public libraries, 377 – including the Laurens Public Library – are accredited. Iowa’s accredited public libraries are recognized for being responsive to their communities and for exhibiting excellence in their provision of library services. More than two-thirds of all Iowans have active public library cards. Iowa libraries play key roles in workforce and economic development, lifelong learning and e-government activities. Iowans use their libraries to find jobs, do homework, locate a

good book to read, research medical conditions, access government information, and more. Accredited libraries receive a higher rate of compensation through the State Library’s Enrich Iowa program. They also receive a Certificate of

Accreditation signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, State Librarian Michael Scott, and Iowa Commission of Libraries Chairperson Joe Lock. For more information on the State Library’s accreditation program, and to view the Public Library Standards, go to: www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/a-b/accr-and-standards. About the Laurens Public LibraryThe Laurens Public Library promotes enrichment in the local community by opening its doors to all people, while at the same time fostering culture and education for everyone. For more information, visit: www.laurenspubliclibrary.com The Laurens Public Library is accredited at the highest level, a Tier 3 Library. To attain this status there are 47 mandatory standards that must be met, as well as 20 of 38 optional. Laurens Public Library attained 35 of the 38 optional standards, in addition to the 47 mandatory standards. If you would like more information about this report, stop at the Library!

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At the Library & Announcements

The PaperPublished weekly by

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Laurens, IA 50554

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Card ShowerShirley Burns Smith, formerly of Marathon, is celebrating her 90th birthday on August 21. Please help us recognize her by sending cards to: Shirley Smith, 15029 NW Sumida Lane, Portland, OR 97229.

MOVING SALE Saturday, August 29th - 9AM to 5PM Sunday, August 30th - 9AM to Noon

RUNNEBERG FARM 14713 420th Street Laurens, IA 50554

From Laurens: 2 miles north on N28, 3/4 mile east on C15

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS - FURNITURE - ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE - HOME DECOR - YARD/GARDENING EQUIPMENT -

FARM SHOP ITEMS - ANTIQUE PLATFORM SCALES (FAIRBANKS & HOWE)

WOOD WORKING TOOLS: Delta Unisaw Model 34-488

Rockwell 10” Contractor Saw Rockwell 20” Bandsaw Model 28-350

Grizzly 3HP Shaper Model G1026 Grizzly 1HP Power Feeder

Makita Miter Saw We will allow presales on the wood working tools.

If you’re hoping to buy one at the sale, please call to make sure it’s still available.

This will be a tag sale. It will be held in the machine shed to allow plenty of room. We will observe safe social distancing practices, and

we hope you will be considerate of others and do the same.

mary.runneberg@gmail.com - 712-450-6664

At the Library with Glenda MulderAugust 12, 2020

Last week I told you that our Library Foundation Board decided on a new fundraiser for this year. Well, what could be more appropriate for 2020 than a drive by parade?! The Foundation Board members and Library Staff will be outside, dressed as book characters. We invite you to drive by, check us out and drop off your donation to the Laurens Public Library Foundation. We’ll let you in on some more details as it comes closer. So mark Tuesday, September 22nd on your calendar; plan to join the fun and show your support to the Library Foundation! Some of the novels we have received this week include: The Midwife Murders by James Patterson and Private Cathedral by James Lee Burke. August Book Club selection is “Batting Rocks Over The Barn: An Iowa Farm Boy's Odyssey” by Lawn Griffiths. "The rhythm of rural life during the 1950s and 1960s come alive through the eyes of a Grundy County, Iowa, boy who grew up to become a newspaper journalist and farm editor. An idle pastime of batting rocks over the barn or his experiences in a one-room country school or a third-grade debate over whose fathers had the best brand of farm tractors are told in this eclectic collection of some of Lawn Griffiths' most popular 'Rural at Random' weekly farm columns in the Waterloo Courier during the 1970s" This book of short stories is sure to evoke childhood memories and make for a great discussion Monday, August 24 at 7 p.m. We are now open our regular hours, but if you don’t feel comfortable coming in the library yet, let us know you need materials delivered, or we will arrange an outdoor pickup.

Coming EventsAugust 24 @ 7p.m. - Book Club

“Batting Rocks Over The Barn: An Iowa Farm Boy's Odyssey” by

Lawn GriffithsSeptember 8 @ 6 p.m. - Take it

Tuesday

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School News

LAURENS-MARATHON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ~ 2020-2021 ~ SCHOOL SUPPLIES

L-M PRESCHOOL(1) Pair of Tennis Shoes for gym(1) Full-sized Book Bag(1) Extra set of clothing (shirt, pants, underwear, & socks)PLEASE MARK EACH INDIVIDUAL ITEM WITH CHILD'S NAME (CLOTHING ALSO)

KINDERGARTEN**PLEASE MARK EACH INDIVIDUAL ITEM WITH CHILD'S NAME (CLOTHING ALSO)

(1) Supply Box - LABEL W/NAME(2) Gallon bags to hold extra supplies & their

head phones - LABEL W/NAME(1) Set of headphones - LABEL W/NAME(1) Package of #2 Pencils (NO mechanical pencils) - LABEL W/NAME(2) Large Erasers - LABEL W/NAME(3) Boxes of Kleenex (200 count) - LABEL W/NAME(1) Tub of Clorox Wipes - LABEL W/NAME(1) Container of Hand Sanitizer - LABEL W/NAME(1) Highlighter - LABEL W/NAME(2) White Board markers - LABEL W/NAME(1) Scissors - LABEL W/NAME(1) Bottle of glue - LABEL W/NAME(4) Glue sticks - LABEL W/NAME(1) Box of Crayons (24 count) - LABEL W/NAME(1) Set of Classic colored markers - LABEL W/NAME(1) Pair of P.E. Tennis Shoes - LABEL W/NAMEWater bottle for snack - LABEL W/NAMETowel or blanket for rest time - LABEL W/NAMEExtra set of clothes - LABEL W/NAMEBook Bag - LABEL W/NAMENotebooks & Folders are NOT needed, please.

FIRST GRADE**PLEASE MARK EACH INDIVIDUAL ITEM WITH CHILD’S NAME (CLOTHING ALSO)

(1) set of headphones - LABEL W/NAMEPencil Box (No bigger than about 6"x 9")(3) Double-Pocket Folders (with NO fasteners and NO plastic folders) (20) #2 Pencils (NO mechanical pencils) (6) Large Erasers (2) Large Boxes of Kleenex (2) Large containers of Clorox disinfectant wipes(3) Glue Sticks (1) 8 oz. Bottle of School White Glue (1) 7.5” x 10” Canvass Zipper Bag with Clear Front(1) Pair of Tennis Shoes for P.E.(4) Dry erase markers(1) Box of quart or gallon size Ziploc bags(3) Wide-lined (1 subject) Spiral Notebooks (1) Box of Crayons(1) box of CLASSIC colored markers(1) pair of scissors(1) Book bag

(SECOND, THIRD, & FOURTH ON BACK)

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School News

LAURENS-MARATHON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ~ 2020-2021 ~ SCHOOL SUPPLIES

SECOND GRADE**PLEASE MARK EACH INDIVIDUAL ITEM WITH CHILD’S NAME (CLOTHING ALSO)

(1-2) set of headphones - LABEL W/NAME(20) #2 Pencils(4) Medium or Large Erasers(1) Scissors(4) Glue Sticks(4) Dry Erase markers & 1 SOCK (To use as an eraser and store the markers)(4) Double Pocket Folders(2) Large Boxes Kleenex(1) Container of Clorox Wipes(1) pair of tennis shoes for P.E.(1) Box of quart-sized Ziploc bags(3) Wide-Lines spiral notebooksSupply Box (No bigger than about 6”x9”)(2) Pack of Crayons (24 Count) Basic Colors(1-2) Pack of Markers Basic ColorsBook Bag (Bring Daily)

THIRD GRADE(1) Pair of headphones or earbuds for iPads* must have - LABEL W/NAME(1) Backpack (1) Box Snack-Sized Baggies(1) Ruler(4) Glue Sticks-No Liquid Glue (2) Boxes of 12 count #2 pencils(5) Wide-lined spiral notebooks(1) Scissors(5) Double pocket folders(1) Large box of tissues (200 count) (1) Pencil case or box(2) Boxes of 24 count crayons(1) Pair of tennis shoes for PE(1) Box of markers(1) Four pack of dry-erase markers(1) Canister of Sanitizing Wipes (50 count or more)**PLEASE MARK EACH INDIVIDUAL ITEM WITH CHILD'S NAME (CLOTHING ALSO)

FOURTH GRADE(1) pair of earbuds or headphones(20) #2 pencils (not mechanical)(1) Large eraser (3-4) Dry erase markersZipper Case for PencilsBox of colors (24 count)(4) Spiral notebooks (wide-lined)(4) Double-pocket folders (no fasteners)(1) Bottle glue or (2) Glue sticks(2-3) Large boxes of Kleenex(1) container of disinfecting wipes OR (1) box gallon baggies(1) Pair of Tennis Shoes for P.E.Scissors (optional)Markers (optional)Assignment Notebook ($2.00 Purchased at Registration)  Students must have this one!**NO Trapper Keepers Please!**PLEASE MARK ALL ITEMS WITH CHILD'S NAME (CLOTHING ALSO)

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School News

Laurens-Marathon School - 2020-2021 Supply List - 5th & 6th

5th Grade:(1) pair of earbuds or headphones(2) Spiral Notebooks - wide lined (colors: red & blue)(2) packages of wide-lined looseleaf paper(2) Highlighters (2 different colors)(4) Dry erase markers(1) box of gallon-sized Freezer Zip-loc baggies(2) Double-Pocket folders w/brads (colors: red & blue)(1) bottle of white glue or (2) glue sticks(2) correcting pens (any color except black)(1) set of markers(20) #2 Ticonderoga Pencils(12-24) Pencil Cap Erasers(1) pair of tennis shoes for PE(3) large boxes of Kleenex(1) container of disinfecting wipes(2) container of hand sanitizerAssignment Notebook ($2.00 purchased at Registration) Students must have one!**No Trapper Keepers**PLEASE MARK ALL ITEMS WITH CHILD’S NAME (CLOTHING ALSO)

6th Grade:¥ Pair of earbuds or headphones¥ Notebooks (5) - One for Each Class!¥ Folders (5) or Binder¥ Assignment Notebook/Planner ($2.00 purchased at registration)

Students must have one!¥ #2 Pencils¥ Pens¥ Highlighters¥ Calculator¥ PE Clothes and Shoes¥ Magnet or Lanyard for Lunch Ticket¥ Pencil Case or Magnet Case for locker¥ 1 box of Kleenex (200 Count)¥ Container of Hand Sanitizer¥ Container of disinfecting wipes

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Local News

Hy-Vee Stores Now Accept SNAP/EBT as Payment for Grocery Pickup OrdersHy-Vee, Inc. announces today that all of its store locations that offer Hy-Vee Aisles Online grocery pickup now accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) as payment at time of pickup. SNAP/EBT beneficiaries now can shop online for groceries at Hy-Vee.com or via the Hy-Vee Aisles Online mobile app and collect their order curbside at a Hy-Vee store. Pickup service is available at more than 250 Hy-Vee stores throughout its eight-state region. To use Aisles Online pickup, SNAP/EBT recipients can select their preferred store location on Hy-Vee.com or the Hy-Vee Aisles Online app, shop for their groceries, choose a pickup date and time, and pick SNAP/EBT as the

payment method. Once notified that their groceries are ready, customers go to the store, look for the pickup signs in the parking lot, and pull into the designated spot and call the number on the sign. An employee then brings out the order and loads it into the

customer’s car. When customers go to pick up their order, they must bring both their SNAP/EBT card and a credit/debit

card to pay for those items that are not EBT-eligible. Cash or checks will not be accepted as payment for curbside pickup orders. Please note that Hy-Vee cannot currently accept SNAP/EBT payment for home delivery orders. “By offering SNAP/EBT as a payment option for pickup, we can now serve more customers with our Hy-Vee Aisles Online pickup service,” said Tom Crocker, senior vice president of e-commerce for Hy-Vee. “As we work to continually improve our e-commerce offerings, this is just one more way we can help our customers who want to shop from the comfort of their home versus venturing to the grocery

store.” With pickup service experiencing higher order volume during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hy-Vee has hired more Aisles Online team members, added more order pickup slots and increased communication. For more information, please visit https://www.hy-vee.com/grocery/customer-service/frequently-asked-questions.aspx#Snapebt.

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New Hope Baptist Church202 Byron St, Laurens

All services and activities at New Hope Baptist Church have been cancelled until further notice.

Church

This Week at Bethany LutheranPastor David E. Klappenbach

Wednesday: August 12, 20207:00 PM ~ Council Mtg.

Sunday: August 16, 2020Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost9:00 AM ~ Worship

Tuesday: August 18, 20208:30 AM ~ Prayer Group9:30 AM ~ Tuesday coffee at Bethany

Thursday: August 20, 20207:00 PM ~ Council Mtg.

Worship, Love, Accept~Together in Christ’s Name

This Week at First ChristianPastor Rev. Rita Cordell712-845-6164

Sunday, August 1610:30 a.m. Worship

This Week at Laurens United Methodist ChurchPastor Ed Frank

Fri., Aug. 14: Men’s Bible Study @ 7 a.m.

Sun., Aug. 16:In-person Worship Service @ 10:30 a.m.Youth Group Board meeting @ 5 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church

Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic ChurchPocahontas, IA -- Pastor: Very Rev. Craig Collison, VF

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Extension News

Yard and Garden: Harvesting and Storing OnionsOnions are a staple in the kitchen. If properly harvested, cured and stored, homegrown onions can be enjoyed through much of fall and winter. For more information on onions or to ask other gardening questions, contact Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulture experts at hortline@iastate.edu. When should onions be harvested? Storage onions should be harvested when the tops have fallen over and turned brown. Most onion cultivars mature 90-120 days after planting. Carefully pull or dig the bulbs with the tops attached. How should I dry and store onions? After harvesting, dry or cure the onions in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location, such as a shed or garage. Spread out the onions in a single layer on a clean, dry surface. Cure the onions for two to three weeks until the onion tops and necks are thoroughly dry and the outer bulb scales begin to rustle. After the onions are properly cured, cut off the tops about 1 inch above the bulbs. As the onions are topped, discard any that show signs of decay. Use the thick-necked bulbs as soon as possible, as they don’t store well. An alternate preparation method is to leave the onion tops untrimmed and braid the dry foliage together. Place the cured onions in a mesh bag, wire basket or crate. It’s important that the storage container allow air to circulate through the onions. Store the onions in a cool, moderately dry location. Storage temperatures should be 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit. The relative humidity should be 65-70%. Possible storage locations include a basement, cellar or garage. Hang the braided onions from a rafter or the ceiling. If storing the onions in an unheated garage, move the onions to an alternate storage site before temperatures drop below 32 F. How long can onions be successfully stored? The storage life of onions is determined by the cultivar and storage conditions. When properly stored, excellent storage onions, such as Copra, Redwing, Red Zeppelin and Stuttgarter, can be successfully stored for several months. Poor keepers, such as Walla Walla and Sweet Spanish, can only be stored for a few weeks.

Virtual Food Systems Certifications to Be Offered OnlineStrong and healthy local food systems are more important than ever for communities during the ongoing pandemic. The Community Food Systems team at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers timely support, now offering its Local Food Leader and Community Food Systems trainings and certifications in a virtual format. Each certification includes cohort workshops hosted through Zoom and online curricula through Moodle.Beginning in September, these four popular professional development opportunities for food systems practitioners will be available online. Limited scholarships are available for each course. Applications for scholarships are due Aug. 21, 2020. 1. The Virtual Local Food Leader Certification is an integrated program of online workshops and Local Food Leader online modules. This certification program takes four months. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion in Local Food Leader. Cost is $375. This fall’s course begins Sept. 1, 2020, and ends Jan. 5, 2021. Participants will learn foundational competencies critical for successful food systems development, through integrated virtual workshops and four online modules. These include equity in food systems, working in food systems, facilitation and coordination, evaluation and professional development. 2. The Virtual Community Food Systems Full Certification is an integrated program of online workshops and Community Food System online modules. This certification program takes eight months. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion in Community Food Systems. Cost is $600. This year’s course begins Sept. 15, 2020, and ends March 23, 2021. Participants will increase their capacity to work within the community and develop food systems. The virtual workshops walk through strategic planning methods and practices for working with place-based communities on food systems development and includes visioning, research and community food systems assessments, prioritizing and project management, design and evaluation. 3. The Virtual Community Food Systems Facilitator Certification is an integrated program of online workshops and Community Food System Facilitator online modules. This certification program takes six months. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion in Community Food Systems Facilitator Certification. Cost is $425. The virtual workshops walk through strategic planning methods and facilitation practices for working with place-based communities on food systems development. Learn the facilitation components of the Community Food Systems process within Phase 1 and Phase 2. 4. The Virtual Community Food Systems Assessor Certification is an integrated program of online workshops and Community Food System Assessor online modules. This certification program takes four months. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion in Community Food Systems Assessor Certification. Cost is $325. The virtual workshops center around activities for research and evaluation including community food systems assessments and prioritization for the assessor components of the Community Food Systems process within Phase 1. See more information about each course, including schedules, registration, and scholarship application links, on the Farm, Food and Enterprise Development website.

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Extension News

COVID Ag Updates Will Focus on ResilienceThe farming community is used to the stress that comes from the unpredictable and uncontrollable challenges that jeopardize their production and livelihood. Agricultural resilience is about equipping farmers with strategies and information that will enable them to absorb and recover from these stresses. Resilience is the ability to bounce back when things do not go as planned. COVID Recovery Iowa, in collaboration with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, is hosting COVID Ag Updates: Focus on Resilience. These 60-minute weekly updates from agriculture specialists will be held Mondays from 7:30–8:30 p.m. The first 15–20 minutes will be informational, with the remaining time spent on answering questions. To register, go to the upcoming events section at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/farm-ranch-wellbeing. A Zoom program link will be e-mailed to registered participants prior to the program. The schedule of speakers includes: • Aug. 10, Pat McGonegle, CEO, Iowa Pork Producers. • Aug. 17, Larry Tranel, ISU Extension and Outreach dairy specialist. • Aug. 24, Norlan Hinke, ISU Extension and Outreach farm finance specialist. • Aug. 31, Kristine Tidgren, ISU Extension and Outreach Center for Ag Law and Taxation. • Sept. 7, Melissa O’Rourke, ISU Extension and Outreach farm management specialist. • Sept. 14, Steve Johnson, ISU Extension and Outreach farm management specialist. • Sept. 21, David Baker, Beginning Farmer Center director. • Sept. 28, Madelyn Schultz, ISU Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Program manager. • Other resources COVID Recovery Iowa offers a variety of services to anyone affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Virtual counselors provide counseling, activities, and referral information and help find resources for any Iowan seeking personal support. Iowans of all ages may join groups online for activities and learn creative strategies for coping with the effects of the pandemic. COVID Recovery Iowa will announce upcoming programs on the website and via all social media to help Iowans build coping skills, resilience and emotional support. To request support, go to https://www.COVIDrecoveryiowa.org or contact the Iowa Concern Hotline at 515-447-1985 or the Iowa Warm Line at 1-855-775-9276. Iowa Concern, offered by ISU Extension and Outreach, provides confidential access to stress counselors and an attorney for legal education, as well as information and referral services for a wide variety of topics. With a toll-free phone number, live chat capabilities and a website, Iowa Concern services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week at no charge. To reach Iowa Concern, call 800-447-1985; language interpretation services are available. Or, visit the website, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern/, to live chat with a stress counselor one-on-one in a secure environment. Or, email an expert regarding legal, finance, stress, or crisis and disaster issues.

New Publication Describes Basics of Low Stress Cattle HandlingLow stress cattle handling can provide a multitude of benefits, including improved performance, animal welfare and handling efficiency. However, with a variety of techniques and approaches advocated by different experts, cattle producers may be unsure which direction to take with their own operation. A new publication from Iowa Beef Center called “Low Stress Cattle Handling” explains the common positive aspects of these systems, which are basic to understanding cattle responses regardless of system. Grant Dewell, extension beef veterinarian with Iowa State University, authored the publication along with Suzanne Millman and Rebecca Parsons, of Iowa State’s Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine department, and Renee Dewell, with the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State. “Low stress cattle handling is important to improve the welfare of cattle, handling efficiency and consumer confidence,” Dewell said. “Understanding the natural behavior of cattle is important to being able to introduce low stress cattle handling and to identify challenges in current facilities that make handling difficult.” The four-page document provides an overview of the natural behavior of cattle and describes general principles of handling cattle. The section on facilities includes two simple designs used most commonly for low stress cattle handing. The information and awareness are helpful for all ages of cattle and types of operation. For more information, contact Grant Dewell at 515-294-2822, or gdewell@iastate.edu.

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Extension News

Preparing for School May Be Different This YearChildren aren’t the only ones wondering what going back to school will be like this fall. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, parents and caregivers are beginning to find out when children may be at their school buildings, whether learning online at home is an option or whether to plan for a hybrid of the two. “Back-to-school planning is an ever-changing environment this year. But there are things parents and caregivers can do to prepare children for the possibilities,” said Joy Rouse, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Rouse, who specializes in family life issues, offers the following tips: Shop for needed clothes and supplies. If shopping online, remember that because of the volume of orders, delivery could be delayed. Get the supply list from the school to buy the correct supplies. Look around the house and see if you already have some supplies on the list. Do you have an option to purchase supplies from the school or parent organization? It could be less expensive, and then you know you have the correct supplies. Plan a school routine for your children. When will they have to get up in the morning? When should

they go to bed if they get up at that time? When will they have to be ready to leave for school or begin online instruction? Practice the routine for a week before they are to attend school. This would include getting up, getting dressed and eating breakfast to be ready to head out the door or to the computer. Prepare as much as you can the night before. Put out clothes, make lunches so they are easy to grab from the refrigerator and pack backpacks. Attend an orientation or open house if available so your child can see the new room and meet the teacher. This will also give you the current information about the school plans. “Once school has started, watch your child for signs the school transition is not going well. Teachers and counselors can help with advice to deal with the child’s stress or concerns,” Rouse said. Because of COVID 19 concerns and extra safety precautions, Rouse offers some additional tips to consider as the school year starts. If your child will be asked to wear a face covering, obtain a supply to meet the needs of your child. Cloth coverings will need to be washed, so have extras if one is left at school or does not make it into the laundry. Fit the face covering to your child so it is comfortable to wear. Practice putting it on and wearing it, so your child is not distracted at school. Practice good hygiene by teaching your child the steps for washing hands and how to cover a cough or sneeze. Explain we are not able to see

the germs, and these are things we do to keep ourselves and others safe. Have a conversation with your child concerning how they feel about returning to school. Listen carefully and validate their feelings. This is a scary time – for children and adults. Tell your children that safety measures are in place to keep everyone at school healthy, and their part is to wash their hands and cover a cough or sneeze. Watch for updates from the school to know the most current plan. Stay calm and flexible so children can adapt to the changes in the plan with less stress. Check in with your children to see how they are handling the situation emotionally. Engage children in creative activities to help them express any negative feelings they may be having. This will be a positive way to express difficult feelings. “Parents and caregivers are not experienced in sending their children to school in a pandemic. We are all learning how to deal with the requirements and emotions of the situation,” Rouse said. “Children look to the important adults in their lives for help. Being calm, listening, sharing the proper information for their age and giving them positive ways to express their emotions are all ways to support them as they return to school, no matter what form that takes.”

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Extension News

Preserve Summer Bounty with Food Preservation 101 Virtual CourseYour spring gardens are flourishing with wonderful produce. Preserving your garden’s summer bounty is a great way to enjoy home-grown produce year round – as long as you don’t serve food borne illness, like botulism, with your home preserved foods, say nutrition and wellness specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Home food preservation is not difficult, but it does require following specific directions exactly,” said Holly VanHeel, nutrition and wellness specialist. “Ignoring recommended procedures can result in home canned products that will make you, your family and friends very ill.” To help Iowans safely preserve foods, ISU Extension and Outreach is hosting a virtual Food Preservation 101 course. Food Preservation 101 is a general overview that highlights the key

information Iowans need to know to get started preserving food at home. During this free, one-hour online course, nutrition and wellness specialists will: • Discuss various food preservation techniques – pressure canning, hot water bath canning, dehydration and freezing; • Provide science-based, reliable food preservation resources; and • Answer general food preservation questions. Food Preservation 101 will be hosted a few more times through September. These are free to Iowans across the state. To register for Food Preservation 101, go to https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/preservation-101. The scheduled dates and times are: Thursday, Aug. 20, 10-11 a.m. and 8-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, 7-8 p.m. Need you canner lid tested? Pocahontas County Extension and Outreach is a resource to get your canner lid tested. Bring the lid only with dial gauges or the pop-up style. Weighted gauges are forever accurate. Call: 712-335-3103 for an appointment to bring the lid to the Extension office. Pick up lid after the testing is completed. For more information, contact

any of the following nutrition and wellness program specialists.Jill Weber, jrweber@iastate.edu, Black Hawk County, 319-234-6811. Kelsey Salow, ksalow@iastate.edu, Delaware County, 563-927-4201. Holly VanHeel, vanheel@iastate.edu, Webster County, 515-576-2119. Renee Sweers, rsweers@iastate.edu, Woodbury County, 712-870-3037.

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Our Town Our Paper! 12

City Council Minutes

August 3rd, 2020 The Laurens City Council met in regular session at the Laurens Municipal Building at 5:00 p.m.

on Monday, August 3rd, 2020. Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Present were Council members Jean Swanson, Aaron Christenson, Rich Newgard, John Jamison, Julie Potter, City Administrator Hilary Reed, Deputy Clerk Joan Hoben, City Attorney Ann Beneke, Public Works Director Julian Johnson, Chief of Police Tom Shaw.

Jamison moved to approve the consent agenda, including minutes from the July 6th and July 20th meetings, the list of claims, and a Class C Liquor License (LC) for Laurens Lounge and Lanes. Christenson seconded. All ayes; motion carried.

CLAIMS 08-03-2020 ACCO WATER PLANT CHEMICALS 3,195.85

AIRGAS NORTH CENTRAL OXYGEN CYL 258.29

ALLIANT ENERGY MONTHLY GAS 1,413.77

FIDELITY SECURITY LIFE AUG EYECARE INSURANCE 166.79

BOLTON & MENK CEMETERY SURVEY 2,233.00

BOMGAARS SUPPLIES/SERVICE 271.08

DGR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 541.00

ECHO GROUP, INC. LITE PANEL 92.43

IACMA RETIREMENT 457 450.00

IDNR NPDES PERMIT 210.00

IRS FED/FICA TAX 4,972.01

IOWA ONE CALL LOCATES 110.70

IOWA RADIOLOGY MEDICAL XRAYS 30.00

IPERS IPERS 5,559.58

IPERS/PD PROTECTED IPERS 1,907.65

JCL SOLUTIONS DISINFECTANT SPRAY 199.41

JULIAN JOHNSEN SUPPLIES FOR LAGOON 110.00

LAURENS HOUSE OF PRINT POOL CASH LOG FORMS 98.00

LMPC MONTHLY PHONE & INTERNET 465.91

LMU MONTHLY UTILITIES 6,440.11

MIDAS COUNCIL OF GOVT ANNUAL DUES 1,217.87 NORTHERN LIGHTS FOOD SERVICE POOL CONCESSIONS 211.43

NORTHWEST MFG INC 2 NEW DUMPSTERS 1,511.00

OVERHEAD DOOR SALES & SVC REPAIRS ON DOORS 235.35 PCC AMBULANCE BILLING SERVICE AMBULANCE BILLING 92.72

POC COMMUNITY HOSPITAL POLICE DEPT. MEDICAL EXPENSE 739.25 PRIME BENEFIT SYSTEMS GROUP INSURANCE 78.75 SANTANDER LEASING LLC MONTHLY PAYMENT OF PUMPER 1,461.34 STAPLES OFFICE SUPPLIES 603.05 TJERAN JOLLIFFE NEW WATERFALL 609.65 TREASURER STATE OF IA JULY SALES TAX 5,069.00 US BANK SUPPLIES 1,708.74 VERIZON WIRELESS CELLPHONE 179.92 VERNON MANUFACTURING REPAIRS 150.00

TOTAL

42,593.65

PAYROLL 7/27/2020 001 GENERAL 8,543.92

210 ROAD USE TAX 1,280.04 600 WATER 2,414.01 610 SEWER 1,916.54

Biggest Little Paper In Town! 13

City Council Minutes

670 GARBAGE 2,431.51

TOTAL 16,586.02

PAID TOTAL 59,179.67

BY FUND 001 GENERAL

29,595.89

110 ROAD USE TAX 3,688.33

112 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 122.55

175 POCKET PARK 609.65

600 WATER 12,515.29 610 SEWER 5,933.65 670 GARBAGE 6,714.31

TOTAL BY FUND 59,179.67

REVENUES GENERAL 18,438.58

ROAD USE TAX 21,150.57

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 2,491.12

EMERGENCY LEVY 79.50

LOCAL OPTION 9,699.42

TAX INCREMENT FINANCING 1,077.71

POOL RESTRICTED 3,215.00

DEBT SERVICE 2,673.55

PRAIRIE PARK TRAIL TOTAL

(7.20)

WATER 46,278.64

SEWER 29,951.85

GARBAGE 20,736.23

STORM WATER 3,003.46

TOTAL

158,788.43

Swanson moved to approve an Outdoor Liquor License for Laurens Lounge and Lanes on August

22nd. Potter seconded. All ayes; motion carried. Newgard moved to approve hiring Mike Hertz as a police officer upon successful completion of

physical agility test. Jamison seconded. All ayes; motion carried. Christenson moved to approve Resolution 11-20 – Approving and authorizing Amendment to

Loan and Disbursement Agreement by and between the City of Laurens and the Iowa Finance Authority, and authorizing and providing the reissuance of the Water Revenue Capital Loan Note, Series 2009 (Rate Reset). Swanson seconded. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Potter, Jamison, Newgard, Christenson, Swanson.

Potter moved to approve the support of the Sportsman’s Park REAP Grant Application. Jamison seconded. All ayes; motion carried.

Newgard motioned to enter closed session at 5:12 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5 C – to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage to the potion of the governmental body in that litigation. Christenson seconded. All ayes; motion carried.

Potter moved to close the close session and enter regular session at 5:24. Newgard seconded. All ayes; motion carried.

Potter moved to adjourn at 5:32 p.m. Jamison seconded. All ayes. Motion carried.

_________________________________ _________________________________ Rod Johnson, Mayor Hilary Reed, City Clerk